HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 28, 2020, Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES CONFERENCE BOARD AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 28, 2020
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AMES CONFERENCE BOARD
The Regular Meeting of the Ames Conference Board was called to order by Chairman John Haila
at 5:30 p.m. on January 28, 2020. Present from the Ames City Council were Bronwyn Beatty-
Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel Junck, and David Martin. Linda
Murken, Lisa Heddens, and Lauris Olson represented the Story County Board of Supervisors. Other
members in attendance were as follows: Jamet Colton, Ames School Board of Directors; Joe
Anderson, Nevada School Board of Directors; and Jennifer Britt, United Community School Board
of Directors. Gilbert School Board of Directors was not represented.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2019: Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Murken, to approve the
Minutes of the February 26, 2019, meeting of the Ames Conference Board.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF JAMI LARSON TO BOARD OF REVIEW: Moved by Betcher,
seconded by Colton, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 20-037 re-appointing Jami Larson to the Board
of Review.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED FY 2020/21 BUDGET FOR CITY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE:
City Assessor Greg Lynch reviewed the 2020/21 proposed budget for the City Assessor’s Office and
asked if the Conference Board members had any questions.
Story County Supervisor Olson asked Mr. Lynch to elaborate on the work delegated to the interns
that costs $40,000. Mr. Lynch deferred to Chief Deputy Assessor Brenda Swaim who said a content
management system had recently been implemented which caused a backlog of documents that
needed to be scanned and entered, there was a city-wide photo project that required more hours, and
condominium units needed to be entered. There had been basically no response to the advertised
position, so the hourly wage needed to be increased.
Ms. Olson asked why there were so many condominium appeals in 2019. Mr. Lynch said there was
an entity called “Tax Representatives” who contacted commercial property owners and sold their
services for saving taxes for a few years. One tax representative filed over 600 protests on apartments
in 2019, but there have been more than that in the past with revalued properties.
With regards to the taxable status of Northcrest Independent Living, Ms. Olson wanted to know why
it was in litigation. Mr. Lynch explained that Northcrest was installing a very large addition to
include independent living, skilled nursing, and assisted living. There was a ruling in 2018 by the
Property Assessment Appeals Board that shed new light on this type of a property, and other
assessors who had continuum life services complexes had the independent living units classified as
taxable, while keeping skilled living and assisted living tax exempt. The property that was purchased
to the west of Northcrest was for the new complex. The land value under that portion of the property
was changed to taxable for 2019. The exempt status was placed on it by a ruling of the Iowa
Supreme Court in 1989, but with the new ruling, he believes it sheds new light on the issue.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Colton, to approve the recommendations of the City Assessor’s
report.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Mr. Lynch reviewed the proposed budget, noting that the 3% cost of living rate increase was based
off the 2.75% - 3% negotiating starting point between the City and different unions and the 2% merit
rate followed what the City asked for. City Council Member Martin asked what the process was for
evaluating the City Assessor and the Deputy City Assessor. Mr. Lynch said his predecessor brought
that process to the Mini Conference Board for review.
Story County Board Member Heddens asked if the City did not increase to the amount approved for
the Assessor, would the Assessor’s office maintain what was approved or would they mirror the City.
Mr. Lynch said they always follow what the City does. Council Member Betcher requested further
information on what the 57.4% increase in equipment rental and maintenance was for. Mr. Lynch
deferred to Accountant Dawn Tank. Ms. Tank said they were purchasing a new server with a five-
year care package for $3,277, which was the major portion of the increase. The maintenance for the
copier/fax/print machine was based off the number of copies they made, and with the new assessing
model, more assessment roles were needed, which generate more costs along with postage, paper
supplies, and Board of Review expenses.
Mr. Lynch explained that an outside consultant was hired to build the residential assessment model
in 2017 and is now building another model for 2021. He briefly explained how the new model will
work to gauge accuracy in assessments.
Mayor Haila clarified for the Conference Board that this was a maximum proposed budget which
may not be used entirely.
Moved by Olson, seconded by Betcher, to receive the proposed budget.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Colton, to set 6:00 p.m. on February 25, 2020, as the date of public
hearing on the proposed FY 2020/21 City Assessor’s budget.
Vote on Motion: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
RE-APPOINTING GREG LYNCH AS CITY ASSESSOR: Mayor Haila commended Mr. Lynch
on his continuing education and knowledge. Ms. Heddens asked if it was by ordinance that the City
had an assessor. Mr. Lynch responded that the Iowa Code allowed cities with populations over
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10,000 to have their own city assessor in addition to the county assessor if they so choose.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Colton, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 20-038 re-appointing Greg
Lynch as City Assessor.
Roll Call Vote: 3-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
CONFERENCE BOARD COMMENTS: Mr. Martin explained that one of the goals of the City
Council was to be able to reach people in certain geographic areas of the City. He expressed interest
in using the Beacon GIS system technology to reach people by phone or email. Council Member
Corrieri said she contacted Mr. Lynch about it who contacted Beacon. The next step was for the Mini
Board to get in contact with Beacon to discuss it further and potentially add on a module to address
the requests of Council.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Olson, to direct staff to report on the process of the evaluation of the
Assessor and Deputy Assessor and send a memo to the Conference Board on that topic within six
months.
Ms. Corrieri said there is no formal review process in place right now; the budget includes the merit
and cost of living increases and the Board votes on approving it and that is it.
In response to Nevada School Board Member Anderson’s questions about the Mini Board, Mayor
Haila said he will have the City Clerk provide clarification regarding how it was organized, and
under what authority. Council Member Betcher advised Mr. Martin that Ms. Corrieri just gave the
report that he asked for.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Olson, to amend the motion by adding to the scope of the report
recommendations for changing the process of evaluation.
Vote on Amendment: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Vote on Motion, as Amended: 3-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Heddens to adjourn the Ames Conference Board at 6:02 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF AMES CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 6:06 p.m.
on the 28th day of January 2020, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue.
Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Amber Corrieri, Tim Gartin, Rachel
Junck, and David Martin were present. Ex officio Member Devyn Leeson was also in attendance.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Haila advised Council that staff had pulled Item No. 18: Resolution
accepting easement at 23959-580th Avenue (former Caremoli property) for “AMES” sign; it is to
be added to a future agenda once the signed easement was received.
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Council Member Betcher requested to pull Item No. 19: Requests for ECO Fair on Saturday, April
25, 2020, and Council Member Martin requested to pull Item No. 15: Resolution approving
Quarterly Investment Report for Period Ending December 31, 2019, for separate discussion.
Moved by Beatty Hanson, seconded by Betcher, to approve the following items on the Consent
agenda:
1. Motion approving payment of claims
2. Motion approving Minutes of Regular Meeting held January 14, 2020, Special Meetings held
January 7, 11, and 18, 2020
3. Motion approving Report of Change Orders for January 1 - 15, 2020
4. Motion approving certification of Civil Service applicants
5. Motion approving new 5-day Class C Liquor License (February 12 - 16, 2020) - Booze Cruzer
Cocktail Co., LLC - 2508 Mortensen Road
6. Motion approving new 5-day Special Class C Liquor License (February 28 - March 3, 2020) -
The Whimsical Wine Trailer, 1407 S University Blvd
7. Motion approving new 12-month Special Class C Liquor License - Clouds, 119 Stanton Avenue
8. Motion approving ownership change for Class C Beer Permit with Class B Wine Permit and
Sunday Sales - Hy-Vee Gas #5013, 4018 West Lincoln Way
9. Motion approving ownership change for Class C Beer Permit with Class B Wine Permit and
Sunday Sales - Hy-Vee Gas #5018, 636 Lincoln Way
10. Motion approving ownership change for Class C Liquor License with Catering and Sunday Sales
- Hy-Vee #1 Clubroom, 3800 West Lincoln Way
11. Motion approving ownership change for Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine, Class C
Beer, and Sunday Sales - Hy-Vee Food Store #1, 3800 W Lincoln Way
12. Motion approving ownership change for Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine, Class C
Beer, and Sunday Sales - Hy-Vee Food & Drugstore #2, 640 Lincoln Way
13. Motion approving ownership change for Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine, Class C
Beer, and Sunday Sales - Hy-Vee Drugstore, 500 Main Street
14. Motion approving renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and Liquor Licenses:
a. Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Blue Owl Bar, 223 Welch
Avenue
b. Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit and Class C Beer Permit (Carryout Beer)
- Fareway Stores, Inc. #093, 3619 Stange Road
c. Class E Liquor License with Class B Wine Permit and Class C Beer Permit (Carryout Beer)
- Fareway Stores, Inc. #386, 619 Burnett Avenue
d. Special Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Service and Sunday Sales - Blaze Pizza, 2320
Lincoln Way
e. Class C Liquor License with Catering Privilege and Sunday Sales - Ge' Angelo's, 823
Wheeler St Suite #9
15. RESOLUTION NO. 20-040 approving Agreement with Iowa Aviation Promotion Group, Inc.,
for Fly Iowa 2020 Event
16. RESOLUTION NO. 20-041 approving Pole Attachment Agreement and Underground Utility
Locate Letter Agreement with Metro FiberNet, LLC (Tabled from 1/14/2020)
17. RESOLUTION NO. 20-046 approving preliminary plans and specifications for South Grand
Avenue Extension from S. 16th Street to new 5th Street Extension; setting February 18, 2020 as
bid due date and February 25, 2020 as date of public hearing
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18. RESOLUTION NO. 20-047 approving preliminary plans and specifications for East Industrial
Utility Extension Project; setting March 4, 2020 as bid due date and March 10, 2020 as date of
public hearing
19. RESOLUTION NO. 20-048 approving preliminary plans and specifications for Fuel Pump
House Fire Protection Upgrade; setting February 26, 2020 as bid due date and March 10, 2020
as date of public hearing
20. RESOLUTION NO. 20-049 approving revised preliminary plans and specifications for CyRide
2020 HVAC Improvements Project; setting February 26, 2020 as bid due date and March 10,
2020 as date of public hearing
21. RESOLUTION NO. 20-050 awarding contract for the purchase and installation of furniture for
City Hall, Water Pollution Control, and City Maintenance Facility to Storey Kenworthy of Ames,
Iowa, in the amount of $84,102.37
22. RESOLUTION NO. 20-051 awarding contract to Western Waterproofing Company, Inc., d/b/a
Western Specialty Contractors of West Des Moines, Iowa for the Chemical Storage Floor Repair
in the amount of $75,000
23. RESOLUTION NO. 20-052 approving contract and bond for Durham Bandshell Electrical
Renovations
24. RESOLUTION NO. 20-053 approving Change Order No. 1 to Nutri-Ject Systems, Inc., for an
increased amount of biosolids disposal for Water Pollution Control Facility the amount of
$32,826.10
25. RESOLUTION NO. 20-054 accepting completion of 2017/18 Storm Water Erosion Control
Program (Kinyon-Clark)
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/Motions declared adopted/approved unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019: Mr.
Martin asked if there had been a study of the investments. City Treasurer Roger Wisecup said he had
done research on the investments, but had not explored where the funds went after they were
invested.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to investigate where the funds go after investing
in the portfolio.
Mr. Gartin advised Mr. Martin that his motion is not germane as this request is purely looking at the
performance of the investments. Mayor Haila confirmed that the motion should be moved to Council
Comments.
Motion withdrawn.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-039 approving the
Quarterly Investment Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2019.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
REQUESTS FOR ECO FAIR ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020: Public Relations Officer
Susan Gwiasda pointed out that this was the 10 th anniversary of the Eco Fair. They wanted to expand
the event to the outside of City Hall to include vehicles that used Biofuel, including hybrid police
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vehicles, an electric car display, and maybe also food trucks. Ms. Betcher wanted it noted that the
request was for a closure of the street, but not for the parking fees to be waived.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to approve the following:
a. Motion approving blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit
b. Motion approving blanket Vending License
c. RESOLUTION NO. 20-043 approving closure of 5th Street from east of Parking Lot M (City
Hall Parking Lot) entrance to Clark Avenue from 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, to 3:00 p.m.
on Saturday, April 25
d. RESOLUTION NO. 20-044 approving closure of 35 metered spaces along 5 th Street from
4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25
e. RESOLUTION NO. 20-045 approving continued use of three metered parking spaces along
5th Street to hold the Iowa DNR mobile trailer until its removal on the morning of Monday,
April 27
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolutions/Motions declared adopted/approved unanimously, signed by the
Mayor, and hereby made a portion of these Minutes.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Haila opened Public Forum.
Kristina Brekke, 203 Campus Avenue, Huxley, said the zoning at North Grand Mall restricting the
sale of fireworks was doing a disservice to consumers. She said as a fireworks vendor, her family
emphasized education and were very immersed in fireworks and safety. She asked Council to open
the zoning in the north end of town for selling fireworks and for educating the public on safe
practices.
After no one else came forward to speak, Public Forum was closed by the Mayor.
AMES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040 PREFERRED LAND USE SCENARIOS (TABLED
FROM JANUARY 14, 2020): Planning and Housing Director Kelly Diekmann announced that
there was nothing new to present. He reminded Council that there were over 20 people at public
comment on January 7, 2020; those comments were included in the Council Meeting packet. Mayor
Haila asked Mr. Diekmann what direction he was wanting from Council. Mr. Diekmann responded
that RDG needed to understand geographically which area or areas Council wanted to pursue.
Council Member Corrieri asked if there was a way to choose one area and to reserve other areas
without developing specific plans for them. Mr. Diekmann said the areas that Council didn’t choose
to focus on should be reserved for future expansion.
In response to Council Member Beatty-Hansen’s question about requesting infill estimates, Mr.
Diekmann clarified that the scenario map did not reflect available vacant land that was not in the
core areas, but the infill numbers that he will bring back to Council will include additional housing
options using existing lots without scraping and rebuilding new units.
Ms. Betcher asked for more information on what was happening east of I35 on 13th Street. Mr.
Diekmann said the Fleet Farm anchor was still in play in the fall, but the time line had changed and
he did not have any other update yet.
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Mayor Haila asked for discussion from Council before receiving public input. Council Member
Gartin said he favors Tier 1 in all four directions coupled with infill. Ms. Betcher wanted to know
what factors were weighing heaviest for the decisions from her colleagues. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said
she felt like there was some inefficiency in leaving all the options open. Of the growth scenarios, she
said that the east was her least favorite because it was so cut off in regards to biking and pedestrian
accessibility. Mr. Gartin said the vast majority of the population will be driving and added that he
would like to champion the multi-trail connectivity. He pointed out that the cost of development is
fairly consistent in all directions.
Mayor Haila recapped for Ms. Betcher that there was a focus on transportation and minimizing the
use of cars. Council Member Corrieri confirmed that cost and transportation were important, but that
it was also important to look at where the jobs were located and to be able to accommodate people
who wanted to live where they worked. She said she wanted to keep it as flexible as possible,
accommodating Tier 1 in every direction, and maybe focus on targeted growth in specific areas.
Ms. Betcher cautioned that in the past, indicating one direction of growth caused property values to
inflate because people didn’t want to sell at a reasonable rate; therefore, growth did not happen
where Council wanted. Mr. Martin, Ex officio Leeson, and Council Member Junck all commented
that they supported multiple areas, particularly the south, but also agreed with not favoring the east
because of the community aspect. Ms. Betcher said her least favored option was the north because
of it not being connected to anything. She added that infill was the top priority, but growth cannot
be achieved entirely through infill. She said she preferred the south scenario with the distant future
transportation issues to be solved with new roads and another interchange on I35. Mayor Haila
agreed with Ms. Betcher regarding the possibility of land value inflation. He said the south was a
tremendous opportunity and commented that the east was intriguing, but maybe for the 2060 Plan
instead.
Mayor Haila opened public input.
Kim Christiansen, 2985 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, said that infill should be the top priority. He
suggested that if Tier 2 was pursued, it should be to the south and adding a new interchange to the
south would drastically help traffic in the future. He said one other issue was with no rural
subdivisions. He said the southwest would be perfect for rural subdivisions to allow people to live
close to the City with different types of living situations.
Kent Vickre, 2625 Meadow Glen Road, Ames, commented that there were people who wanted to
live in Ames, but they worked in Ankeny, so the thought of having another road to take off Highway
69 was appealing to him.
Since no one else came forward, Mayor Haila closed public input.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to bring back numbers that they can
expect from project-based, vacant land, and policy-based infill along with some measure of timing
of each.
Director Diekmann said he will break out the report to show where the numbers come from and
added that a high-level goal or clear policy for defined areas of housing production would be helpful
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for addressing changes that were not anticipated. Mr. Martin said they shouldn’t fixate on the
numbers too much; the decision was whether to go slowly, medium, or full speed ahead with infill.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to create an emphasis for infill as part
of the 2040 Plan.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to ask staff to create an emphasis for Tier 1 development
in all directions.
Council Member Beatty-Hansen commented that she will vote no because she did not like the east
as an option. Ms. Junck echoed Ms. Beatty-Hansen’s sentiments. Mr. Gartin said the east
development would be very convenient for people who worked in the Metro or at Research Park for
easy access; bike infrastructure was a high priority, but it was a question of timing. Ms. Corrieri said
the proximity to jobs was the most compelling piece to the east-side development. Mr. Diekmann
clarified that just because Council may pick Tier 1 in all areas, it doesn’t mean they can’t pick how
those areas will be shaped; the Plan can be made very clear that certain steps have to happen before
others.
Vote on Motion: 4-2. Voting aye: Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Martin. Voting nay: Beatty-Hansen,
Junck. Motion declared carried.
After further discussion, it was agreed that Council was in favor of eventually pursuing an
interchange in the south development area. Mr. Diekmann added that if Council were to pick one
area, the Plan could support that development for a more detailed plan. In response to Council
Member Betcher’s concern about possibly inflating land prices, Ms. Corrieri suggested developing
both the south and the west areas.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to incorporate the Tier 2 areas in south and west scenarios
in the Plan.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Junck, to direct staff to amend the Comprehensive Plan as
appropriate to be consistent with the climate action plan, subject to significant community input and
development of the climate action plan.
Mr. Gartin commented that funds had been allocated in the budget for a Climate Action Plan and that
Mr. Diekmann confirmed that the Comprehensive Plan could be amended. Ms. Beatty-Hansen
clarified that this motion was just stating the intent to address climate action and to reassure people
it will be wrapped in with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Martin added that this motion showed the
intent that progress will be made with both the Climate Action Plan and the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Junck repeated Ms. Beatty-Hansen’s comment that it was important to recognize all the
community input and to affirm Council’s intent for the future.
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Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Martin. Voting nay:
Gartin. Motion declared carried.
2020-2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN: Mayor Haila noted that Council had reviewed
the Capital Improvements Plan with staff. He opened public comment.
David Denhaan, 1804 Maxwell Avenue, Ames, represented the accessible dock installation at Ada
Hayden. He said they had raised around $14,000 in matching funds for the project. He explained that
the project would allow handicapped people to more easily access Ada Hayden with kayaks and
canoes with a product called Aboard Safe. He added that he drove out to Ohio, which was the closest
dock with this technology, to verify if it would work for Ames. He said he was in favor of the
funding in 2021 to allow more time for fundraising.
Ron Gardner, 2223 Prairie View East, Ames, representing the Skunk River Paddlers, said the ADA
accessible dock was originally planned for one of their paddler’s husband who was confined to a
wheelchair. He said he would like to see the dock installed sooner than the current plan of two years,
but it depended on the fundraising capabilities. He noted that Ames was on the leading edge of
adaptive sports with this project.
Dan Culhane, Ames Chamber of Commerce President, 3115 Aspen Road, Ames, said he had heard
about a plan that included a splash pad and a skating rink in Downtown Ames which was timely with
the conversations the Chamber of Commerce has had. The common objective of the recently
submitted 3 Year Plan of the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission
was place-making. Amenities and infrastructure like this that would be helpful to the cause of getting
the additional 15,000 people to move to Ames.
Mayor Haila closed public input.
POLICY REGARDING WAIVER OF DOWNTOWN PARKING METER FEES FOR
SPECIAL EVENTS: Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips reviewed the report that staff put
together regarding parking waiver fees. He cautioned that if Council required repayment of parking
meter waivers, there was a chance that the organizations that request funding from the City would
increase their outside funding requests.
Council Member Martin suggested, for more consistency, to automatically waive fees by default if
an event was using the spaces, and not waive the fees for free parking. Ms. Betcher noted that having
a vital downtown is important for the community, but there was no clear sense of a parking fee
waiver structure. She suggested setting aside a certain amount of money from the Council
Contingency Fund to subsidize the parking so the parking fund didn’t take a hit. Ms. Beatty-Hansen
said she didn’t love the idea of using Council Contingency money for parking costs.
Mr. Gartin explained the reason for not waiving the parking fees for the Pride event was because it
didn’t make sense to waive parking for the entire Downtown when the event was in an isolated area.
Ms. Corrieri commented that it made sense to limit the waiver to the confines of the event, not the
entire downtown.
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Mayor Haila pointed out that there was free parking in the area, but it was really just about Main
Street, 5th Street, and a couple of the cross streets. Ms. Beatty-Hansen said she was in support of
encouraging biking and walking; she never really wanted to waive parking fees. Ms. Junck stated
that a consistent policy was best to avoid preferential treatment.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to prepare the policy for a future
meeting whereby we build parking expenses into the contracted events that we undertake with Ames
Main Street and CAA, and otherwise adopt a policy of denying parking meter waivers except when
there is an obstruction, and we would make a case-by-case decision on the obstructed spaces.
Mayor Haila opened public input. No one came forward to speak, so he closed public input.
Mr. Phillips clarified that this would be a self-imposed policy since all waivers still had to go to
Council anyway. He recapped that the cost of parking would be included in the contract for the
event, the parking would be free for the public, but would be bought out by the event applicants.
Vote on Motion: 5-1. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Junck, Martin. Voting nay:
Gartin. Motion declared carried.
City Manager Steve Schainker recommended to bring the policy back to Council on the second week
of February.
RENAMING OF SQUAW CREEK: Mr. Schainker reviewed the request to rename Squaw Creek.
The Story County Board of Supervisors voted earlier this month to recommend changing the name
of Squaw Creek to either their first choice of Ioway Creek or to their second choice, Sauk Creek. The
Board of Geographic Names responded by explaining that they would only accept their first name
choice, Ioway Creek.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Corrieri, to suggest Ioway Creek as the replacement name.
Mr. Martin asked if they need to circle back to the Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. Linda
Murken, Story County Board of Supervisors, responded that the Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
all were in favor of renaming the Creek and that there was no specific name requested other than
being respectful and native to the area.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
HEARING ON AMENDMENT TO 2019-2020 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN: Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer
reviewed the amendment to the 2019-2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan. She advised Council that
if the request was approved, staff would move forward with purchasing the property.
Council Member Betcher asked if there was a time by which the tenants would have to be relocated.
Ms. Baker-Latimer said not right away. Once the property is approved, staff may allow the tenants
to stay to the end of the lease term without collecting rent. She said they would contact the tenants
and work with them on relocation before moving forward with the project.
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Mayor Haila opened the public hearing. Since no one wished to speak, he closed the public hearing.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to approve Alternative 1: adopting RESOLUTION
NO. 20-055 to amend the 2019-20 CDBG Annual Action Plan to reallocate funds ($400,000) from
the Acquisition/Reuse for Affordable Housing activity to a Public Improvement activity to install
a Shared Use Path from Franklin Park to S. Wilmoth.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
HEARING ON REZONING 2800 E 13TH STREET FROM AGRICULTURAL “A” TO
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL “GI”: Mayor Haila opened the public hearing. He closed the public
hearing after no one came forward to speak.
Moved by Betcher, seconded by Corrieri, to pass on first reading an Ordinance rezoning 2800 E 13 th
Street from Agricultural “A” to General Industrial “GI”.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared adopted unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Council Member Betcher urged Council to sign up for the NAACP
banquet on February 13, 2020.
Mr. Gartin informed Council that he invited the Dance Marathon leaders to come say hello during
Public Forum sometime so Council can say thank you for their fundraising and community building
efforts.
Mr. Martin read a quote from the Town Budget Meeting. “Lyndsay Nissen said she would like to see
Ames City Auditorium used more. She said a marquee sign on the front of the building that says
what’s coming, along with a large neon sign with bulbs around it would be ideal. She said photo
opportunities are very important to the younger generation. Many people don’t know the Auditorium
is there, and it’s a beautiful theater. Ms. Nissen stated that anything that brings attention to arts and
Ames helps all arts organizations.”
Moved by Martin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to bring back a memo on feasibility
and cost for a marquee sign along the lines described in the quote.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Corrieri, to direct staff to provide a memo regarding the feasibility
of socially responsible investing for the portfolio, including climate and environmental concerns.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Moved by Gartin, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to direct staff to investigate the implementation of
way-finding signs and coordinate with the Ames Bicycle Coalition for suggestions on style and
location.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
DISPOSITION OF COMMUNICATIONS TO COUNCIL: Memo from Brian Phillips, Assistant
City Manager, Dated January 24, 2020, Re: Hunziker Youth Sports Complex Lease Agreement: Mr.
Schainker said if Council doesn’t want to extend the Agreement, they need to tell staff not to extend
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it, otherwise they will move forward with discussing the terms of the contract. No motions were
made.
Memo from Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer, Dated January 24, 2020, Re: Property at 1228
Grand Avenue and Future Improvements at the 13th Street and Grand Avenue Intersection: Mr.
Schainker said no action was required, this was just for information.
Memo from Kelly Diekmann, Planning and Housing Director, Dated January 24, 2020, Re: Request
for Zoning Text Amendment to Permit Outdoor Fireworks Sales in the Planned Regional
Commercial (PRC) Zone: Mr. Schainker advised Council that this use was not allowed at the Mall
and asked if Council was interested in changing that law.
Moved by Beatty-Hansen, seconded by Gartin, to place this item on a future agenda.
Mayor Haila reminded Council to only request to add items to an agenda that they were passionate
about discussing. Council Member Gartin said this wasn’t something the City wanted to engage in,
but there were many people in the community who valued this activity. Having this on an agenda
would help gauge public input. Ms. Betcher confirmed that if they put this on an agenda, Council
would be discussing this in isolation away from the rest of the work plan that they have not seen. She
said she is concerned that by putting this on the agenda, they are indicating they were going to
consider this outside of the scope of all the other things on that work plan.
Vote on Motion: 3-3. Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Gartin, Junck. Voting nay: Betcher, Corrieri,
Martin. Motion failed.
Memo from Planning & Housing, Dated January 24, 2020, Re: Fringe Plan Amendment Request for
Former Caremoli USA Site Adjacent to Highway 30: Ms. Betcher said she was concerned about the
connection of this to Item No. 18 that got pulled from the agenda. She asked if it was the right time
to be discussing adding this to an agenda since it was the same property but separate issues. Director
Diekmann said there was no relationship at all. There was no recommendation to proceed or not
proceed; if Council wanted to discuss it, it needed to be put on an agenda.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Martin, to approve Option 1: retaining the existing Urban Fringe
Plan designation.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
Memo from Jean Kresse, President and CEO, United Way of Story County, Dated January 22, 2020,
Re: Response to Council’s Request for an Update on the Human Service Agency Capital Funding
Program: City Manager Schainker confirmed for Council that this memo was just informational.
CLOSED SESSION: Council Member Martin asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a
legal reason to go into Closed Session. Mr. Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Code of Iowa
Section 21.5(1) to discuss matters presently in or threatened to be in litigation.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Betcher, to go into Closed Session under Section 20.5(1), Code of
Iowa, to discuss matters presently in or threatened to be in litigation.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
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The Council went into Closed Session at 8:27 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at 9:00 p.m.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Martin, to direct staff to proceed with the recommendation that was
discussed during Closed Session.
Vote on Motion: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION: Council Member Junck asked City Attorney Mark Lambert if there was a
legal reason to go into Closed Session. Mr. Lambert replied in the affirmative, citing Code of Iowa
Section 20.17(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Moved by Junck, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to go into Closed Session under Section 20.17(3),
Code of Iowa, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
The Council went into Closed Session at 9:02 p.m. and returned to Regular Session at 9:09 p.m.
Moved by Corrieri, seconded by Betcher, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 20-042 ratifying the contract
with IBEW, Local 55 (Electrical Workers).
Roll Call Vote: 6-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously, signed by the Mayor, and hereby
made a portion of these Minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Corrieri to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
________________________________________ ____________________________________
Rachel E. Knutsen, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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